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Kaiden Wilcox, seventh-grader at Louisville's Monarch K-8

Posted:
05/22/2016 10:14:29 PM MDT

Updated:
05/22/2016 10:15:29 PM MDT

Kaiden Wilcox

Kaiden Wilcox, seventh-grader at Louisville's Monarch K-8

Kaiden is an exemplar of gender diversity and acceptance among all students and serves as a role model for his friends and peers. He is generous, empathetic and is constantly thinking of others and how they feel. Kaiden established one of two Gay Straight Alliances at the middle level in Boulder Valley. He is also an outspoken member of OASOS (Open and Affirming Sexual Orientation and gender identity Support) and is deeply involved in the queer community in Boulder and the surrounding areas. Kaiden is also a stellar athlete, and has made great strides participating in competitive soccer. He is a member of a rock band that is constantly growing in talent and skill.

Why did you start a Gay Straight Alliance, or GSA, at Monarch?

I'm transgender, and there wasn't a GSA here. It's a sense of community. I don't like being the spokesperson for the school, because I can't speak for everyone. But I like educating people when I can. At school, things are coming along really well. We talked about gender identity in health. It was just really great.

What do you like about Monarch K-8?

Since it's a K-8, everyone is a good role model. Growing up in this environment makes everyone a lot kinder. Everyone is just pretty chill.

Anything you would change about middle school?

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We could use more gender neutral bathrooms. There's one in the office. Or I can use the staff bathrooms, but that's not very comfortable. There's a big sign that says "No students."

Favorite subject?

I like language arts. My teacher is super chill and really willing to talk about stuff. And I like math and band.

What instruments do you play?

Ukulele, guitar, bass guitar, xylophone, drums, piano, violin if I really try. I'm a big music nerd. My favorite is the ukulele. It was my first instrument I got really good at. Playing traditional Hawaiian music on the ukulele is really fun.

What do you like to do for fun?

Photography and editing videos. I just got a new camera that takes great pictures. I go to OASOS. It's a great community.

Favorite movie?

I like old sci fi movies, like "The Terminator" movies and "Star Trek."

What are you looking forward to this summer?

I'm going to Italy for two weeks. I'm going to Los Angeles for a gay camp. I'm looking forward to some concerts.

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